Improv Essentials: A 3-week first steps clinic for beginners

A supportive first step into improv — no experience needed.

Curious about improv, but not ready to jump into a full class? Improv Essentials is a 3-week clinic for beginners who want a low-pressure way to get started. This clinic introduces core improv skills in a shorter format, but it does not replace PHIT’s full Improv 101 course.

This class focuses on a few simple tools that make improv feel more natural and less intimidating: listening, making clear choices, connecting with a scene partner or group, and building something simple from nothing. Each week, you’ll practice through structured, playful exercises, storytelling, and guided group work designed to help you feel more present, clear, and confident.

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

A great fit for anyone who wants more than a one-time workshop, but is not yet ready to commit to a full course.

Adults 18+.

No prerequisite.

Class size: Limited to 10 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention.

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: MONDAYS

Dates: Aug 10, 17, 24

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: TBD

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this course

Room: TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Jasmine is an artist, educator, and arts manager who has been improvising since 2014. She has been teaching at PHIT since 2023 and has also trained and performed at Empire Comedy, Reno Improv, Washington Improv Theater, and SideQuest Theater. You may have seen her in Roll Play, Off the Record, Objection!, Todorov’s Dirty Laundry, or a viral TikTok she is vaguely mortified by. Outside of performing, Jasmine is the Managing Director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, an OBIE Award-winning producer of experimental work that also runs a training program in devised theatre.

What Others Say:

“Jasmine challenged us in a supportive way, giving specific tools and feedback that helped us build stronger scenes without feeling overwhelmed.”

“Jasmine was totally engaged with the class. The ‘key takeaways’ emails after each lesson were extremely helpful in integrating the class lessons.”

“Jasmine listened carefully to everyone, and the class felt very personal.”

What Others Say:

Musical Improv: The Want Song

One-Time Workshop

In musical improv, a Want Song reveals what a character wants most — and can give a scene emotional direction, momentum, and heart.

In this 2-hour workshop, students will practice identifying a clear character want, recognizing when a scene is ready to become a song, and singing a Want Song that supports the character’s arc. Students will explore how desire, emotion, and song structure can work together to create stronger musical improv scenes.

This workshop is best for students who are comfortable with improv fundamentals and have a basic understanding of song structure, such as verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus.

Come ready to play, sing, and explore your character’s deepest desires through song.

Recommended Experience: This workshop is best for students with some prior improv experience, including Improv 101, Music 1, or equivalent musical improv training.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Promo and discount codes do not apply to clinics and workshops. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Class size: Limited to 12 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Aug 10

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Make-Up Date: NONE

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this workshop

Room: 1976

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Moriah Kofsky is a Philly-based improviser, singer, dancer, and comedy writer. She currently performs with the musical improv group Family Reunion, featuring PHIT instructors and alumni. Moriah took her first improv class in elementary school, later trained at Provocation Theatre in Berkeley, CA, and discovered musical improv through BATS. She has also studied musical improv and clown at PHIT. She majored in Creative Nonfiction Writing at the University of Pennsylvania, where she developed a strong foundation in story structure that informs her performance work.

Do you wind up deep inside of your head in improv scenes? Your old friend, former SNL cast member and iO Chicago teacher, Luke Null, was just like you. Join Luke for a workshop full of exercises that challenge you to quit planning things on the backline and start having fun and reacting in the moment. You will be so far out of your head by the end that you honestly won't even need a head anymore. You could probably AirBNB it, you will be gone so much.  

Intro to Improv Workshop (90 minutes)

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to an 8-week class yet? This 90-minute Intro Workshop is a beginner-friendly way to try it out.

You’ll learn a few foundational improv tools (including Yes, And), practice listening and responding in the moment, and try some guided scene work—no experience needed. This is a supportive, low-pressure workshop designed for first-timers and returning students who want a refresher.

PHIT is a training center, which means we focus on real skill-building—while keeping the room warm, welcoming, and fun.

Tuition / credit: A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You’re welcome to take an Intro Workshop with no obligation to register for a full class.

If you later enroll in a Level 101 class, you can take $50 off with a promo code. That code is included in your workshop reminder email (sent before the workshop begins). When you register for 101, you’ll need to enter the code during checkout (it does not apply automatically).

Promo code notes: One code per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds, credits, exchanges, or transfers. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: TUESDAY

Date: August 18

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

Johnny has been performing/teaching Improv since LITERAL middle school. Eventually going on to study Improv on a collegiate level with various Second City alums as teachers. "Having as much fun as one possibly can under the guise of actually learning something" is the vibe he tries to bring to each and every class. Johnny is also a proud member of Philly's Premier Musical Improv Team "Thank You Places" and performs with them the last Thursday of every month at their residency at Tavern On Camac. (thankyouplacesimprov.com). He also loves to travel the big wide world as far and as often as he can. 

What Others Say:

"I really like working with Johnny. He has a great personality and is extremely warm and welcoming. "

"Johnny was very affirming and really made sure we understood what was going on."

"Johnny is so nice and respectful. He makes you feel great."

"Johnny is a really good instructor: he is knowledgeable and he is fun and makes each class interesting and unique! He provides you with just enough structure to successfully master each exercise. He is also very welcoming with all the students. "

"Johnny is the perfect teacher for 101: You'll have a lot of fun, you'll laugh a lot, and you'll learn what the heck improv is. He gives feedback, but doesn't push you any harder than you'd want to be pushed. He's encouraging and will help you build the confidence you need to give your first performance."

Intro to Improv Workshop (90 minutes)

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to an 8-week class yet? This 90-minute Intro Workshop is a beginner-friendly way to try it out.

You’ll learn a few foundational improv tools (including Yes, And), practice listening and responding in the moment, and try some guided scene work—no experience needed. This is a supportive, low-pressure workshop designed for first-timers and returning students who want a refresher.

PHIT is a training center, which means we focus on real skill-building—while keeping the room warm, welcoming, and fun.

Tuition / credit: A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You’re welcome to take an Intro Workshop with no obligation to register for a full class.

If you later enroll in a Level 101 class, you can take $50 off with a promo code. That code is included in your workshop reminder email (sent before the workshop begins). When you register for 101, you’ll need to enter the code during checkout (it does not apply automatically).

Promo code notes: One code per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts. Not vlaid on Clinics or Workshops.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds, credits, exchanges, or transfers. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: TUESDAY

Date: Sept 15

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

Intro to Improv Workshop (90 minutes)

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to an 8-week class yet? This 90-minute Intro Workshop is a beginner-friendly way to try it out.

You’ll learn a few foundational improv tools (including Yes, And), practice listening and responding in the moment, and try some guided scene work—no experience needed. This is a supportive, low-pressure workshop designed for first-timers and returning students who want a refresher.

PHIT is a training center, which means we focus on real skill-building—while keeping the room warm, welcoming, and fun.

Tuition / credit: A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You’re welcome to take an Intro Workshop with no obligation to register for a full class.

If you later enroll in a Level 101 class, you can take $50 off with a promo code. That code is included in your workshop reminder email (sent before the workshop begins). When you register for 101, you’ll need to enter the code during checkout (it does not apply automatically).

Promo code notes: One code per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts. Not valid on Clinics or Workshops.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds, credits, exchanges, or transfers. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: TUESDAY

Date: Sept 22

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Sept 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15

Time: 1 PM - 3PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

What Others Say

Improv 201: Characters + Relationships

This is where your work deepens.

Improv 201 builds on the foundation of Improv 101 and focuses on creating emotionally grounded characters in relationship. You’ll work on being visibly affected by your scene partner and environment, staying present, and identifying the behavioral patterns that give a scene momentum and depth.

Coaching becomes more specific at this level. You’ll be asked to make adjustments in the moment — try it again, refine it, and strengthen it. You’ll also begin practicing simple edits and heightening, learning how to support strong scenes and help great moments land.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Create distinct, emotionally grounded characters
• Sustain clear relationships through behavior
• Recognize and build on emerging patterns
• Adjust based on coaching in real time
• Support edits and heightening within a scene

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 201 is the second step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Sept 27, Oct 4,11,18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15

Time: 1 PM - 3 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY Nov 22

Showcase: SUNDAY Nov 29

Room: TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

What others Say: